5 Things to Clean in October for a Fresher, Healthier Home

October is one of my favourite times of year to reset the home. The light shifts, the days shorten, and we start spending more time indoors. If you give a little extra care to certain spots now, you will glide into winter with a fresher, cleaner, and much more comfortable space. These are the five things I recommend focusing on this month.

1. Kitchen extractor fans and filters

By October most of us are cooking indoors more, and we are less likely to fling the windows open. A clean filter makes a huge difference to air quality and stops grease building up in your kitchen. Honestly, extractor fans are one of the most neglected things in homes. I have seen years of build-up that took layers of degreaser and steam cleaning to take off. A little attention now saves a lot of work later and saves you from hiring professional help.

2. Tile grout and bathroom sealant

As the weather gets colder, there is less natural evaporation in bathrooms. This means mould and mildew can take hold far quicker. Giving grout a proper clean and resealing weak spots now will save you from scrubbing away black mould in a few months’ time. It is not the most glamorous job, but it is one that pays off.

3. Coat storage and entrance areas

Your hallway is about to get some heavy use as the layers pile on. Coat racks, shoe storage, handles, and walls are good to freshen up in October. This is also the perfect time to organise your entrance space as you pull out heavier clothing and boots for the season. A tidy, welcoming, and deep cleaned entry makes those darker evenings feel that bit cosier.

4. Carpets and upholstery, especially if you have pets

Summer allergens get trapped deep in fibres, doubly so when you have furry friends running around. Once you spend more time indoors, you start breathing them in. A professional carpet or upholstery clean in October gives you a fresh slate for winter and makes lounging in the living room feel that much nicer.

5. Skirting boards and high ledges

Cobwebs and dust love these forgotten areas. In summer it can feel like you are constantly battling new webs, but in October many critters slow down. That makes it a great time to do a thorough sweep so your home feels fresh and settled for the colder months.

Final thoughts

October is the bridge into winter, and giving your home a little extra love now will save you from bigger jobs down the line. I like to think of it as setting the stage for a season where we will spend more time indoors. A few hours of effort now makes your home feel warmer, cleaner, and more inviting all winter long.